2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

In 2021, the Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh that revamped its exterior. The minivan now sported standard LED headlights on either side of a new hexagonal grille, bestowing the Pacifica with a more muscular aesthetic. This update diverged from the elegance that characterized the previous three years. However, the remaining touch of sophistication became apparent when the eye moved from the front to the sides and rear of the van. At the back, Chrysler introduced an all-LED taillamp stretching across the entire width of the model, boasting a central Chrysler wing badge. Customers could choose from six new wheel designs for 2021, and the S Appearance Package, first seen in 2017, returned with darkened features and black accents where chrome used to reside.

Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from both the revamped 2021 Toyota Sienna and 2022 Kia Sedona. Toyota's Sienna emphasized spaciousness with rugged cabin materials, whereas Kia's Sedona adopted a utility-vehicle-like design, using more premium materials. Chrysler aimed to bridge these differences. The lower-cost Voyager was tailored for fleet vehicle and active family use, whereas the Pacifica positioned itself as a premium vehicle in the top trims. The Pacifica Pinnacle, Chrysler's new highest grade, combined practicality with luxury through comfort, soft-touch materials, and elegant finishes. The Pinnacle trim boasted features like a largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen, wood accents, real metal surrounds, quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. Additionally, the Pacifica's doors closed with a satisfying thud, indicating the vehicle’s solid build quality. Enhanced sound-deadening technology, including new windows, seals, and insulation, significantly reduced noise from the road, engine, and nearby vehicles.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, capitalizing on the blacked-out exterior trim trend. Positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, the Onyx Edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and specialized interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, making it clear that this trim was designed with a sporty appearance in mind. Despite the blacked-out exterior, the interior was offered in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching, complemented by metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. While visually appealing, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it uncomfortable during hot weather. Ventilated seats were available only on the Touring trim, not the Onyx Edition.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options. The traditional choice was a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, there was a hybrid option combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from the motors. Base models like the Pacifica Touring and Touring L came with the V6 engine, while the upmarket Limited and Pinnacle models could be equipped with either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain.

2021 marked a significant year for Chrysler as they reintroduced AWD to the Pacifica lineup after a 16-year hiatus. The system activated automatically based on various conditions such as temperature slip, electronic stability control activation, rough road surfaces, and more. The AWD system deactivated during highway driving or in non-demanding conditions to enhance fuel efficiency, operating seamlessly without noticeable interruption. Pacifica Hybrid models offered an all-electric range exceeding 30 miles and a combined range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. These figures dropped slightly with the addition of AWD, though the performance effect was typical for AWD systems.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and equipped with standard AWD. Ascent models with 20-inch wheels had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined; our testing averaged 20.5 mpg. The boxer engine layout provided a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control through steering wheel paddles, allowing the turbo-four to stay within its torque band while reducing engine rpm for quieter coasting and cruising. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system was standard, providing different settings based on road surfaces. Hill descent control and 8.7 inches of ground clearance offered superior off-roading capabilities compared to many rivals. In urban and suburban driving, the Ascent exhibited responsive acceleration, agile handling, and an absorbent suspension, though overly responsive braking could sometimes feel excessive. On country and mountain roads, the Ascent’s compliant suspension and considerable curb weight produced noticeable body motion, but it remained competent during spirited driving. On highways, the Ascent’s driving satisfaction depended on the use of its lane-keeping and centering technologies, which could feel unsettling when engaged but was more pleasurable when disengaged.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in accommodating the daily workings of family life. Upfront, spacious seating facilitated a sense of togetherness, sans the large center console found in other vans. The refreshed interior featured a padded center console lid with ample storage spaces, including a useful bin under the stack for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power first- and second-row windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Stow ’n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow ’n Go third-row bench seat. Additionally, under-console storage for second-row passengers offered extra convenience.

Second- and third-row seats provided ample legroom for children and adults, with middle-row seats being more comfortable for taller passengers. Though the Pacifica lacked the extensive seat travel of the Toyota Sienna, it compensated with Stow ’n Go seats that folded into the floor for flexible loading, even in AWD models. The rear cargo area was spacious, rivaling competitors, with the Pacifica Pinnacle offering a best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent claimed the ability to carry up to eight passengers, but comfort in the third row was limited for taller adults. It better suited a mix of adults and children. The Ascent’s Onyx Edition came with features ready for winter, including triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second row was facilitated by wide rear doors that opened almost 90 degrees. Captain’s chairs available in every trim level added extra convenience, with clothing hooks and available panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience.

Storage solutions were abundant in the Ascent, with deep cupholders in the second row and a useful dashboard shelf. The cargo area provided 17.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and maximizing at 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. Models with the panoramic sunroof had reduced cargo capacity by half a cubic foot.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received notable technology upgrades that enhanced its appeal. Hands-free sliding door operation was available in mid-grade models and above. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a modern and customizable experience with a clean, fast, and user-friendly interface, though it lacked a head-up display. Navigation was straightforward, quickly recalculating routes even in challenging urban settings. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made smartphone integration seamless.

For rear passengers, Chrysler maintained the second-row in-seat entertainment system option, now including four additional games, making the total 13. These systems accommodated various entertainment sources through multiple port types. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to premium 13-speaker and 19- or 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems, the latter providing an immersive listening experience. The Pinnacle model stood out with FamCam, an in-cabin camera feature offering rear-facing child seat views, split-view displays, and zoom-to-seat functionality, enhancing onboard safety and monitoring.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and an included CD player. Premium trim models upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, WiFi hotspot, and remote engine starting with climate pre-conditioning. User-friendly physical knobs and buttons facilitated control.

Subaru’s Starlink system, while not the latest, retained separate climate controls, enhancing usability. The system’s voice recognition required specificity and wasn’t as intuitive as modern digital assistants. Onyx Edition models used standard stereo speakers, which lacked premium sound quality. The optional Harman Kardon premium sound system was available on higher trims but not on the Onyx Edition, limiting audio experience upgrades. Additional technology exclusive to Touring trims included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front camera.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. These features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lock-out, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica achieved a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At the time of publication, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, the highest rating available in its assessments. NHTSA awarded the Ascent five-star ratings in all evaluations except rollover resistance, where it received a four-star rating. Standard safety included Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, offering features like advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. Though effective, EyeSight sometimes struggled in direct sunlight and had less refined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems. However, adaptive cruise control resumed speed promptly when the path cleared. Additional standard safety features included steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. To access blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, buyers needed at least the Premium trim. Reverse automatic braking and a Starlink Safety and Security subscription plan offering collision notification and emergency assistance were available.